☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from_____ to _____
Commission file number 0-362
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Indiana
35-0827455
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
9255 Coverdale Road
Fort Wayne,
Indiana
46809
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(260) 824-2900
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.10 par value
FELE
NASDAQ
Global Select Market
(Title of each class)
(Trading symbol)
(Name of each exchange on which registered)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
☒
No
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes
☒
No
☐
1
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer
☒
Accelerated Filer
☐
Non-Accelerated Filer
☐
Smaller Reporting Company
☐
Emerging Growth Company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes
☐
No
☒
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2022, and for the third quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all accounting entries and adjustments (including normal, recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the results of operations for the interim periods have been made. Operating results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022. For further information, including a description of the critical accounting policies of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (the "Company"), refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
In the second quarter of 2022, the Company concluded that Turkey represents a highly inflationary economy as its projected three-year cumulative inflation rate exceeds 100%. As a result, the Company started remeasuring the financial statements for the Company’s Turkish operations in accordance with the highly inflationary accounting rules in ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters, as of April 1, 2022. As a result, all gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement of the financial results of operations and other transactional foreign exchange gains and losses would be reflected in earnings rather than as a component of the Company’s comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity. As of September 30, 2022, this impact was not significant to the Company’s results.
2. ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2020-06, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. ASU 2020-06 reduces the number of accounting models for various convertible instruments and reduces form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions for the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity. The FASB also updated Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) guidance under Topic 260 by requiring an entity to consider the potential effect of share settlement in the diluted EPS calculation for instruments that may be settled in cash or shares as well as other amendments. ASU 2020-06 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021 with early adoption permitted but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The guidance should be adopted at the beginning of a fiscal year. ASU 2020-06 should be applied on either a retrospective or modified retrospective basis. The Company adopted the standard effective January 1, 2022 using the modified retrospective approach, and it did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2021-08 requires entities to recognize and measure contracts on the acquisition date in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as if it had originated the contracts. This will improve comparability after the business combination by providing consistent recognition and measurement guidance for revenue contracts with customers acquired in a business combination and revenue contracts with customers not acquired in a business combination. ASU 2021-08 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022 with early adoption permitted. ASU 2021-08 should be applied on a prospective basis to business combinations that occur after the effective date. The Company plans to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2023 and does not anticipate the adoption to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-04, Liabilities - Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations. ASU 2022-04 creates the obligation for a company that uses a supplier finance program to purchase goods or services to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about its supplier finance program(s). This will allow financial statement users to better consider the effect of the program(s) on the entity's working capital, liquidity and cash flow over time. ASU 2022-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years, except for the amendment on rollforward information, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 with early adoption permitted. ASU 2022-04 should be applied retrospectively to each period in which a balance sheet is presented except for the amendment on rollforward information, which should be be applied
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prospectively. The Company plans to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2023, and does not anticipate the adoption to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
3. ACQUISITIONS
During the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2021, the Company acquired 100 percent of the ownership interests of B&R Industries, Inc. ("B&R"), a water treatment equipment provider located in Mesa, Arizona, for a cash purchase price of $16.3 million after purchase price adjustments based on the level of working capital acquired. B&R will be included as part of the Water Systems segment of the Company. The Company also acquired, in a separate transaction, 100 percent of the ownership interests of Blake Group Holdings, Inc. ("Blake"), a professional groundwater distributor operating in the northeast United States for a cash purchase price of $28.5 million after purchase price adjustments based on the level of working capital acquired. Blake will be included as part of the Distribution segment of the Company. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for both acquisitions is preliminary as of September 30, 2022.
During the third quarter ended September 30, 2021, the Company acquired 100 percent of the ownership interests of Minetuff Dewatering Pumps Australia Pty Ltd for a cash purchase price of $13.7 million after purchase price adjustments based on the level of working capital acquired. Minetuff manufactures and sells submersible pumps, spare parts, and accessories to the mining industry and will expand the Company’s existing product offerings and channel access in the Water Systems segment. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the acquisition were considered final as of September 30, 2022.
During the second quarter ended June 30, 2021, the Company acquired, in separate transactions, 100 percent of the ownership interests of Puronics, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, headquartered in Livermore, California, and 100 percent of the ownership interests of New Aqua, LLC and its wholly owned subsidiaries, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Both Puronics and New Aqua are water treatment equipment providers and will be included as a part of the Water Systems segment of the Company. In a separate transaction during the second quarter ended June 30, 2021, the Company acquired all of the assets of Power Integrity Services, LLC, a North Carolina-based company, which will be included in the Fueling Systems segment of the Company.
In another separate transaction during the second quarter ended June 30, 2021, the Company acquired all of the assets of Atlantic Turbine Pump, LLC, a Georgia-based company, which will be included in the Distribution segment of the Company. The Company recorded estimated fair values that exceed the acquisition price by $0.4 million, representing a bargain purchase gain due to favorable market conditions within the "Other income/(expense), net" line in the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2021.
The final combined, all-cash purchase price for all acquisitions in the second quarter was $185.5 million after purchase price adjustments based on the level of working capital acquired. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were considered final as of June 30, 2022.
The identifiable intangible assets recognized in the separate transactions in 2021 were $132.3 million and consist primarily of customer relationships and trade names from New Aqua of $93.2 million, which will be amortized using the straight-line method over 12 - 20 years.
The goodwill of $65.8 million resulting from the acquisitions in 2021 consists primarily of expanded geographical presence and product channel expansion. Goodwill deductible for tax purposes is $62.5 million from the acquisitions in 2021. Goodwill was recorded in the Water Systems and Fueling Systems segments.
The preliminary purchase price assigned to the major identifiable assets and liabilities for all acquisitions in 2021 on an aggregated basis is as follows:
12
(In millions)
Assets:
Inventory
$
34.3
Intangible assets
132.3
Goodwill
65.8
Other assets
39.0
Total assets
271.4
Liabilities
27.0
Less: Bargain purchase gain
0.4
Total consideration paid
$
244.0
The Company has not presented separate results of operations since closing or combined pro forma financial information of the Company and the acquired interest since the beginning of 2021, as the results of operations for all acquisitions is immaterial.
Transaction costs were expensed as incurred under the guidance of FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, Business Combinations. There were $0.0 million and $0.2 million of transaction costs included in the "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" line of the Company's condensed consolidated statements of income for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. There were $0.0 million and $0.8 million of transaction costs included in the "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" line of the Company's condensed consolidated statements of income for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively.
4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, provides guidance for defining, measuring, and disclosing fair value within an established framework and hierarchy. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The standard established a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value within the hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets;
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and
Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
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As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as set forth in the table below:
(In millions)
September 30, 2022
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Cash equivalents
$
7.6
$
7.6
$
—
$
—
Forward currency contracts assets
0.3
—
0.3
—
Total assets
$
7.9
$
7.6
$
0.3
$
—
Liabilities:
Share swap transaction
$
0.9
$
0.9
$
—
$
—
Total liabilities
$
0.9
$
0.9
$
—
$
—
December 31, 2021
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Cash equivalents
$
5.3
$
5.3
$
—
$
—
Share swap transaction
0.6
0.6
—
—
Total assets
$
5.9
$
5.9
$
—
$
—
The Company’s Level 1 cash equivalents assets are generally comprised of foreign bank guaranteed certificates of deposit and short term deposits. The share swap transaction and forward currency contracts assets and liabilities are recorded within the "Receivables" and "Accounts Payable" lines of the condensed consolidated balance sheets and are further described in Note 5 - Financial Instruments.
The Company has no assets or liabilities measured on a recurring basis classified as Level 3.
Total debt, including current maturities, have carrying amounts of $268.8 million and $188.5 million and estimated fair values of $265.4 million and $196.1 million as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. In the absence of quoted prices in active markets, considerable judgment is required in developing estimates of fair value. Estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market transaction. In determining the fair value of its debt, the Company uses estimates based on rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. Accordingly, the fair value of debt is classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.
5. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company’s non-employee directors' deferred compensation stock program is subject to variable plan accounting and, accordingly, is adjusted for changes in the Company’s stock price at the end of each reporting period. The Company has entered into share swap transaction agreements (the "swap") to mitigate the Company’s exposure to the fluctuations in the Company's stock price. The swap has not been designated as a hedge for accounting purposes and is cancellable with 30 days' written notice by either party. As of September 30, 2022, the swap had a notional value based on 225,000 shares. For the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the swap resulted in a gain of $1.8 million and a loss of $2.8 million, respectively. For the third quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the swap resulted in a loss of $0.2 million and a gain of $3.1 million, respectively. Gains and losses resulting from the swap were largely offset by gains and losses on the fair value of the deferred compensation stock liability. All gains or losses and expenses related to the swap are recorded in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of income within the “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” line.
The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk arising from transactions in the normal course of business including making sales and purchases of raw materials and finished goods in foreign denominated currencies with third party customers and suppliers as well as to wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. To reduce its exposure to foreign currency exchange rate volatility, the Company enters into various forward currency contracts to offset these fluctuations. The Company uses forward currency contracts only in an attempt to limit underlying exposure from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and to minimize earnings volatility associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and has not elected to use hedge accounting. Decisions on whether to use such derivative instruments are primarily based on the amount of
14
exposure to the currency involved and an assessment of the near-term market value for each currency. For the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the forward currency contracts resulted in a gain of $0.4 million and a gain of $0.7 million, respectively. This is recorded in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of income within the "Foreign exchange income/(expense)" line.
6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The carrying amounts of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows:
(In millions)
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Amortizing intangibles:
Customer relationships
250.5
(97.3)
255.1
(88.8)
Patents
$
7.2
$
(7.2)
$
7.3
$
(7.3)
Technology
7.5
(7.4)
7.5
(7.3)
Trade names
41.6
(3.1)
$
42.1
(1.5)
Other
3.2
(2.5)
2.8
(2.7)
Total
$
310.0
$
(117.5)
$
314.8
$
(107.6)
Unamortizing intangibles:
Trade names
41.9
—
42.5
—
Total intangibles
$
351.9
$
(117.5)
$
357.3
$
(107.6)
Amortization expense related to intangible assets for the third quarters ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 was $4.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, $12.9 million and $10.2 million, respectively.
Amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years is projected as follows:
(In millions)
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
$
16.8
$
16.7
$
16.6
$
15.8
$
14.8
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, is as follows:
(In millions)
Water Systems
Fueling Systems
Distribution
Consolidated
Balance as of December 31, 2021
$
213.9
$
70.7
$
45.0
$
329.6
Acquisitions
—
—
—
—
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions
0.3
—
(0.4)
(0.1)
Foreign currency translation
(5.0)
(0.5)
—
(5.5)
Balance as of September 30, 2022
$
209.2
$
70.2
$
44.6
$
324.0
7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Benefit Plans - As of September 30, 2022, the Company maintained two domestic pension plans and three German pension plans. The Company used a December 31, 2021 measurement date for these plans. One of the Company's domestic pension plans covers one active management employee, while the other domestic plan covers all eligible employees. Both domestic plans were frozen as of December 31, 2011. The two domestic and three German plans collectively comprise the 'Pension Benefits' disclosure caption.
Other Benefits - The Company's other post-retirement benefit plan provides health and life insurance to domestic employees hired prior to 1992.
The following table sets forth the aggregated net periodic benefit cost for all pension plans for the third quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021:
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(In millions)
Pension Benefits
Third Quarter Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2022
September 30, 2021
September 30, 2022
September 30, 2021
Service cost
$
0.1
$
0.2
$
0.5
$
0.6
Interest cost
0.9
0.7
2.5
2.1
Expected return on assets
(1.7)
(1.3)
(4.7)
(4.1)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost
1.5
1.2
3.9
3.3
Actuarial loss
—
—
—
—
Settlement cost
—
—
—
—
Net periodic benefit cost
$
0.8
$
0.8
$
2.2
$
1.9
In the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company made contributions of $0.1 million to the funded plans. The amount of contributions to be made to the plans during the calendar year 2022 will be finalized by September 15, 2022, based upon the funding level requirements identified and year-end valuation performed at December 31, 2021.
The following table sets forth the aggregated net periodic benefit cost for the other post-retirement benefit plan for the third quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021:
(In millions)
Other Benefits
Third Quarter Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2022
September 30, 2021
September 30, 2022
September 30, 2021
Service cost
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Interest cost
—
0.1
0.1
Expected return on assets
—
—
—
—
Amortization of:
Prior service cost
0.1
—
0.1
0.1
Actuarial loss
—
—
—
—
Settlement cost
—
—
—
—
Net periodic benefit cost
$
0.1
$
—
$
0.2
$
0.2
8. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of:
(In millions)
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Salaries, wages, and commissions
52.7
62.3
Product warranty costs
11.9
10.5
Insurance
2.2
2.3
Employee benefits
11.5
11.9
Other
32.1
28.4
Total
110.4
115.4
9. INCOME TAXES
The Company’s effective tax rate from continuing operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2022 was 20.1 percent as compared to 17.4 percent for the nine month period ended September 30, 2021. The effective tax rate is lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 21 percent primarily due to the recognition of the U.S. foreign-derived intangible income (FDII) provisions and certain discrete events including excess tax benefits from share-based compensation partially offset by state taxes. For the third quarter of 2022, the effective tax rate was 18.5 percent compared to 18.3 percent for the third quarter of 2021.
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The increase in the effective tax rate for the nine month period ended September 30, 2022 was primarily a result of less favorable discrete events recorded in the nine month period ended September 30, 2022, as compared to the nine month period ended September 30, 2021, primarily related to excess tax benefits from share based compensation.
During the third quarter of 2022, the Company recorded $1.1 million of benefit from the reconciliation of the domestic federal return to the provision predominantly related to additional FDII benefit. During the third quarter of 2021, the Company recorded $0.8 million of excess tax benefits from share-based compensation.
10. DEBT
Debt consisted of the following:
(In millions)
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
New York Life Agreement
75.0
75.0
Credit Agreement
174.2
96.6
Tax increment financing debt
15.3
16.5
Foreign subsidiary debt
4.5
0.5
Other
—
0.1
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs
(0.2)
(0.2)
$
268.8
$
188.5
Less: current maturities
(179.6)
(98.0)
Long-term debt
$
89.2
90.5
Debt outstanding, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, at September 30, 2022 matures as follows:
(In millions)
Total
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
More Than 5 Years
Debt
$
269.0
$
179.6
$
1.4
$
76.4
$
1.5
$
1.4
$
8.7
Prudential Agreement
The Company maintains the Fourth Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement (the "Prudential Agreement") with PGIM, Inc. and its affiliates, which was renewed on July 30, 2021 and expires on July 30, 2024. The Prudential Agreement has an initial borrowing capacity of $150.0 million. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had no notes issued and $150.0 million borrowing capacity available under the Prudential Agreement.
Project Bonds
The Company, Allen County, Indiana and certain institutional investors maintain a Bond Purchase and Loan Agreement. Under the agreement, Allen County, Indiana issued a series of Project Bonds entitled “Taxable Economic Development Bonds, Series 2012 (Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Project)." The aggregate principal amount of the Project Bonds that were issued, authenticated, and are now outstanding thereunder was limited to $25.0 million. These Project Bonds ("Tax increment financing debt") bear interest at 3.6 percent per annum. Interest and principal balance of the Project Bonds are due and payable by the Company directly to the institutional investors in aggregate semi-annual installments commencing on July 10, 2013, and concluding on January 10, 2033.
New York Life Agreement
The Company maintains an uncommitted and unsecured private shelf agreement with NYL Investors LLC and its affiliates (the "New York Life Agreement"), which was renewed on July 30, 2021 and expires on July 30, 2024. The New York Life Agreement has a maximum aggregate borrowing capacity of $200.0 million. On September 26, 2018, the Company issued and sold $75.0 million of fixed rate senior notes due September 26, 2025. These senior notes bear an interest rate of 4.04 percent with interest-only payments due semi-annually. The proceeds from the issuance of the notes were used to pay off existing variable interest rate indebtedness. As of September 30, 2022, there was $125.0 million remaining borrowing capacity under the New York Life Agreement.
Credit Agreement
The Company maintains the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement was renewed on May 13, 2021, has a maturity date of May 13, 2026. On May 11, 2022, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 that increased the commitment amount from $250.0 million to $350.0 million. The Credit Agreement provides that the Borrowers may request an increase in the aggregate commitments by up to $125.0 million subject to agreement of the lenders
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(not to exceed a total commitment of $475.0 million). Under the Credit Agreement, the Borrowers are required to pay certain fees, including a facility fee of 0.100 percent to 0.275 percent (depending on the Company's leverage ratio) of the aggregate commitment, which fee is payable quarterly in arrears. USD loans may be made either at (i) a Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) TermBenchmark, with a zero percent floor, plus an applicable margin of 0.950 percent to 1.975 percent (depending on the Company's leverage ratio) or (ii) an alternative base rate as defined in the Credit Agreement. EUR loans may be made in Euro Interbank Offer Rate (EURIBOR) Term Benchmark, with a zero percent floor, plus an applicable margin of 0.850 percent to 1.875 percent (depending on the Company’s leverage ratio) or (ii) an alternative base rate as defined in the Credit Agreement.
As of September 30, 2022, the Company had $174.2 million outstanding borrowings, $4.0 million in letters of credit outstanding, and $171.8 million of available capacity under the Credit Agreement.
The Company also has lines of credit for certain subsidiaries with various expiration dates. The aggregate maximum borrowing capacity of these overdraft lines of credits is $18.7 million. As of September 30, 2022, there were $4.2 million outstanding borrowings and $14.5 million of available capacity under these lines of credit.
Covenants
The Company’s credit agreements contain customary financial covenants. The Company’s most significant agreements and restrictive covenants are in the New York Life Agreement, the Project Bonds, the Prudential Agreement, and the Credit Agreement; each containing both affirmative and negative covenants. The affirmative covenants relate to financial statements, notices of material events, conduct of business, inspection of property, maintenance of insurance, compliance with laws and most favored lender obligations. The negative covenants include limitations on loans, advances and investments, and the granting of liens by the Company or its subsidiaries, as well as prohibitions on certain consolidations, mergers, sales and transfers of assets. The covenants also include financial requirements including a maximum leverage ratio of 3.50 to 1.00 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00. Cross default is applicable with the Prudential Agreement, the Project Bonds, the New York Life Agreement, and the Credit Agreement but only if the Company is defaulting on an obligation exceeding $10.0 million. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of September 30, 2022.
11. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The Company calculates basic and diluted earnings per common share using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net earnings are allocated to each class of common stock and participating security as if all of the net earnings for the period had been distributed. The Company's participating securities consist of share-based payment awards that contain a non-forfeitable right to receive dividends and therefore are considered to participate in undistributed earnings with common shareholders.
Basic earnings per common share excludes dilution and is calculated by dividing net earnings allocable to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net earnings allocated to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, as adjusted for the potential dilutive effect of non-participating share-based awards.
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The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
Third Quarter Ended
Nine Months Ended
(In millions, except per share amounts)
September 30, 2022
September 30, 2021
September 30, 2022
September 30, 2021
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
$
58.6
$
46.2
$
147.8
$
113.2
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities
0.2
0.3
0.6
0.7
Net income available to common shareholders
$
58.4
$
45.9
$
147.2
$
112.5
Denominator:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
46.3
46.5
46.4
46.4
Effect of dilutive securities:
Non-participating employee stock options, performance awards, and deferred shares to non-employee directors
0.7
0.5
0.7
0.6
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
47.0
47.0
47.1
47.0
Basic earnings per share
$
1.26
$
0.99
$
3.17
$
2.43
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.24
$
0.98
$
3.13
$
2.40
There were 0.0 million stock options outstanding for the third quarters ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, and 0.1 million stock options outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively, that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
19
12. EQUITY ROLL FORWARD
The schedules below set forth equity changes in the third quarters ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021:
(In thousands)
Common Stock
Additional Paid in Capital
Retained Earnings
Minimum Pension Liability
Cumulative Translation Adjustment
Noncontrolling Interest
Total Equity
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Balance as of June 30, 2022
$
4,628
$
318,837
$
900,135
$
(47,220)
$
(190,293)
$
2,486
$
988,573
$
284
Net income
58,624
180
58,804
168
Dividends on common stock ($0.195/share)
(9,088)
(9,088)
Common stock issued
4
1,664
1,668
Common stock repurchased
—
(87)
(87)
Share-based compensation
—
2,618
2,618
Currency translation adjustment
(15,924)
(125)
(16,049)
3
Pension liability, net of tax
1,277
1,277
Balance as of September 30, 2022
$
4,632
$
323,119
$
949,584
$
(45,943)
$
(206,217)
$
2,541
$
1,027,716
$
455
(In thousands)
Common Stock
Additional Paid in Capital
Retained Earnings
Minimum Pension Liability
Cumulative Translation Adjustment
Noncontrolling Interest
Total Equity
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Balance as of June 30, 2021
$
4,645
$
298,944
$
804,047
$
(50,897)
$
(155,440)
$
2,541
$
903,840
$
(209)
Net Income
46,172
218
46,390
64
Dividends on common stock ($0.175/share)
(8,179)
(8,179)
Common stock issued
7
2,394
2,401
Common stock repurchased
(12)
(9,895)
(9,907)
Share-based compensation
1
2,347
2,348
Currency translation adjustment
(12,034)
(50)
(12,084)
(1)
Pension liability, net of taxes
915
915
Balance as of September 30, 2021
$
4,641
$
303,685
$
832,145
$
(49,982)
$
(167,474)
$
2,709
$
925,724
$
(146)
20
The schedule below set forth equity changes in the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021:
(In thousands)
Common Stock
Additional Paid in Capital
Retained Earnings
Minimum Pension Liability
Cumulative Translation Adjustment
Noncontrolling Interest
Total Equity
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Balance as of December 31, 2021
$
4,648
$
310,617
$
859,817
$
(49,076)
$
(179,505)
$
2,161
$
948,662
$
(19)
Net Income
147,753
644
148,397
457
Dividends on common stock ($0.585/share)
(27,293)
(27,293)
Common stock issued
8
3,576
3,584
Common stock repurchased
(38)
(30,693)
(30,731)
Share-based compensation
14
8,926
8,940
Currency translation adjustment
(26,712)
(264)
(26,976)
17
Pension liability, net of taxes
3,133
3,133
Balance as of September 30, 2022
$
4,632
$
323,119
$
949,584
$
(45,943)
$
(206,217)
$
2,541
$
1,027,716
$
455
(In thousands)
Common Stock
Additional Paid in Capital
Retained Earnings
Minimum Pension Liability
Cumulative Translation Adjustment
Noncontrolling Interest
Total Equity
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Balance as of December 31, 2020
$
4,622
$
283,420
$
764,562
$
(52,666)
$
(152,105)
$
2,116
$
849,949
$
(245)
Net Income
113,193
695
113,888
92
Dividends on common stock ($0.525/share)
(24,499)
(24,499)
Common stock issued
33
11,357
11,390
Common stock repurchased
(27)
(21,111)
(21,138)
Share-based compensation
13
8,908
8,921
Currency translation adjustment
(15,369)
(102)
(15,471)
7
Pension liability, net of taxes
2,684
2,684
Balance as of September 30, 2021
$
4,641
$
303,685
$
832,145
$
(49,982)
$
(167,474)
$
2,709
$
925,724
$
(146)
21
13. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, are summarized below:
(In millions)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Pension and Post-Retirement Plan Benefit Adjustments (2)
Total
For the nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Balance as of December 31, 2021
$
(179.6)
$
(49.0)
$
(228.6)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications
(26.7)
—
(26.7)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (1)
—
3.1
3.1
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)
(26.7)
3.1
(23.6)
Balance as of September 30, 2022
$
(206.3)
$
(45.9)
$
(252.2)
For the nine months ended September 30, 2021:
Balance as of December 31, 2020
$
(152.2)
$
(52.6)
$
(204.8)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications
(15.3)
—
(15.3)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (1)
—
2.7
2.7
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)
(15.3)
2.7
(12.6)
Balance as of September 30, 2021
$
(167.5)
$
(49.9)
$
(217.4)
(1) This accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (refer to Note 7 for additional details) and is included in the "Other income/(expense), net" line of the Company's condensed consolidated statements of income.
(2) Net of tax expense of $0.9 million and $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively.
Amounts related to noncontrolling interests were not material.
14. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the Company's Form 10-K. Revenue is recognized based on the invoice price at the point in time when the customer obtains control of the product, which is typically upon shipment to the customer. The Water and Fueling segments include manufacturing operations and supply certain components and finished goods, both between segments and to the Distribution segment. The Company reports these product transfers between Water and Fueling as inventory transfers as a significant number of the Company's manufacturing facilities are shared across segments for scale and efficiency purposes. The Company reports intersegment transfers from Water to Distribution as intersegment revenue at market prices to properly reflect the commercial arrangement of vendor to customer that exists between the Water and Distribution segments.
Segment operating income is a key financial performance measure. Operating income by segment is based on net sales less identifiable operating expenses and allocations and includes profits recorded on sales to other segments of the Company.
22
Financial information by reportable business segment is included in the following summary:
Third Quarter Ended
Nine Months Ended
(In millions)
September 30, 2022
September 30, 2021
September 30, 2022
September 30, 2021
Net sales
Water Systems
External sales
United States & Canada
$
158.9
$
134.8
$
452.0
$
333.1
Latin America
41.3
36.5
120.9
102.9
Europe, Middle East & Africa
46.0
46.9
146.7
142.7
Asia Pacific
22.1
19.6
66.8
59.9
Intersegment sales
United States & Canada
24.8
22.9
89.8
66.9
Total sales
293.1
260.7
876.2
705.5
Distribution
External sales
United States & Canada
193.2
140.2
519.2
380.7
Intersegment sales
—
—
—
—
Total sales
193.2
140.2
519.2
380.7
Fueling Systems
External sales
United States & Canada
66.5
58.9
182.5
146.6
All other
23.7
22.1
66.2
63.4
Intersegment sales
—
—
—
—
Total sales
90.2
81.0
248.7
210.0
Intersegment Eliminations/Other
(24.8)
(22.9)
(89.8)
(66.9)
Consolidated
$
551.7
$
459.0
$
1,554.3
$
1,229.3
Third Quarter Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2022
September 30, 2021
September 30, 2022
September 30, 2021
Operating income/(loss)
Water Systems
$
45.5
$
36.8
$
127.7
$
102.7
Distribution
19.0
12.3
51.7
30.3
Fueling Systems
28.6
23.9
72.4
57.3
Intersegment Eliminations/Other
(13.1)
(16.4)
(50.8)
(48.3)
Consolidated
$
80.0
$
56.6
$
201.0
$
142.0
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Total assets
Water Systems
$
1,016.6
$
894.4
Distribution
373.4
363.0
Fueling Systems
276.7
273.6
Other
48.3
44.2
Consolidated
$
1,715.0
$
1,575.2
23
Other Assets are generally Corporate assets that are not allocated to the segments and are comprised primarily of cash and property, plant and equipment.
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In 2011, the Company became aware of a review of alleged issues with certain underground piping connections installed in filling stations in France owned by the French Subsidiary of Exxon Mobile, Esso S.A.F. A French court ordered that a designated, subject-matter expert review 103 filling stations to determine what, if any, damages are present and the cause of those damages. The Company has participated in this investigation since 2011, along with several other third parties including equipment installers, engineering design firms who designed and provided specifications for the stations, and contract manufacturers of some of the installed equipment. In May 2022 the subject-matter expert issued its final report, which indicates that total damages incurred by Esso amounted to approximately 9.5 million Euro. It is the Company’s continuing position that its products were not the cause of any alleged damage. The Company's response to the expert's final report is due in January 2023, at which time the French court will determine whether the merits of the claim warrant additional proceedings. The Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this matter. Any exposure related to this matter is neither probable nor estimable at this time. If payments result from a resolution of this matter, depending on the amount, they could have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
The Company is defending other various claims and legal actions which have arisen in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, based on current knowledge of the facts and after discussion with counsel, these claims and legal actions can be defended or resolved without a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and net cash flows.
At September 30, 2022, the Company had $13.9 million of commitments primarily for capital expenditures and purchase of raw materials to be used in production.
The Company provides warranties on most of its products. The warranty terms vary but are generally two years to five years from date of manufacture or one year to five years from date of installation. Provisions for estimated expenses related to product warranty are made at the time products are sold or when specific warranty issues are identified. These estimates are established using historical information about the nature, frequency, and average cost of warranty claims. The Company actively studies trends of warranty claims and takes actions to improve product quality and minimize warranty claims. The Company believes that the warranty reserve is appropriate; however, actual claims incurred could differ from the original estimates, requiring adjustments to the reserve.
The changes in the carrying amount of the warranty accrual, as recorded in the "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" line of the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, are as follows:
(In millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2021
$
10.5
Accruals related to product warranties
8.3
Additions related to acquisitions
—
Reductions for payments made
(6.9)
Balance as of September 30, 2022
$
11.9
The Company maintains certain warehouses, distribution centers, office space, and equipment operating leases. The Company also has lease agreements that are classified as financing. These financing leases are immaterial to the Company.
The Company utilizes interest rates from lease agreements unless the lease agreement does not provide a readily determinable rate. In these instances, the Company utilizes its incremental borrowing rate in effect at the inception of a lease when determining the present value of future lease payments.
Some of the Company’s leases include renewal options. The Company excludes these renewal options in the expected lease term unless the Company is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised.
The components of the Company’s operating lease portfolio as of the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2022 are as follows:
24
Third Quarter Ended
Nine Months Ended
Lease Cost (in millions):
September 30, 2022
September 30, 2021
September 30, 2022
September 30, 2021
Operating lease cost
$
4.3
$
3.5
$
12.9
$
9.2
Short-term lease cost
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.5
Other Information:
Weighted-average remaining lease term
4.3 years
4.1 years
Weighted-average discount rate
3.7
%
4.1
%
As of September 30, 2022, the Company has approximately $2.3 million of additional ROU assets related to leases that have not yet commenced, but create future lease obligations.
The minimum rental payments for non-cancellable operating leases as of September 30, 2022, are as follows:
(In millions)
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter
Future Minimum Rental Payments
$
4.5
$
15.5
$
10.6
$
7.3
$
5.7
$
8.4
16. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
The Franklin Electric Co., Inc. 2017 Stock Plan (the "2017 Stock Plan") is a stock-based compensation plan that provides for discretionary grants of stock options, stock awards, stock unit awards, and stock appreciation rights ("SARs") to key employees and non-employee directors. The number of shares that may be issued under the Plan is 1,400,000. Stock options and SARs reduce the number of available shares by one share for each share subject to the option or SAR, and stock awards and stock unit awards settled in shares reduce the number of available shares by 1.5 shares for every one share delivered.
The Company also maintains the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. 2012 Stock Plan (the "2012 Stock Plan"), which is a stock-based compensation plan that provides for discretionary grants of stock options, stock awards, and stock unit awards to key employees and non-employee directors. The 2012 Stock Plan authorized 2,400,000 shares for issuance as follows:
2012 Stock Plan
Authorized Shares
Stock Options
1,680,000
Stock/Stock Unit Awards
720,000
No additional options and awards are granted out of the 2012 Stock Plan. However, there are still unvested awards and unexercised options under this plan.
The Company also maintains the Amended and Restated Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Stock Plan (the "2009 Stock Plan") which, as amended in 2009, provided for discretionary grants of stock options and stock awards. The 2009 Stock Plan authorized 4,400,000 shares for issuance as follows:
2009 Stock Plan
Authorized Shares
Stock Options
3,200,000
Stock Awards
1,200,000
All options in the 2009 Stock Plan have been awarded and no additional awards are granted out of the plan. However, there are still unvested awards and unexercised options under this plan.
The Company currently issues new shares from its common stock balance to satisfy option exercises and the settlement of stock awards and stock unit awards made under the outstanding stock plans.
Stock Options:
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with a single approach and amortized using a straight-line attribution method over the option’s vesting period.
25
The assumptions used for the Black-Scholes model to determine the fair value of options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 are as follows:
September 30, 2022
September 30, 2021
Risk-free interest rate
1.87
%
0.66
%
Dividend yield
0.93
%
0.96
%
Volatility factor
33.88
%
34.98
%
Expected term
5.5 years
5.5 years
A summary of the Company’s outstanding stock option activity and related information for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 is as follows:
(Shares in thousands)
September 30, 2022
Stock Options
Shares
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period
1,043
$
49.21
Granted
110
83.90
Exercised
(82)
43.43
Forfeited
(20)
73.76
Expired
(3)
$
73.14
Outstanding at end of period
1,048
$
52.77
Expected to vest after applying forfeiture rate
1,046
$
52.73
Vested and exercisable at end of period
815
$
46.45
A summary of the weighted-average remaining contractual term and aggregate intrinsic value as of September 30, 2022 is as follows:
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000's)
Outstanding at end of period
5.52 years
$
30,556
Expected to vest after applying forfeiture rate
5.51 years
$
30,550
Vested and exercisable at end of period
4.63 years
$
28,747
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 was $3.3 million and $15.1 million, respectively.
As of September 30, 2022, there was $1.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted under the stock plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.63 years.
Stock/Stock Unit Awards:
A summary of the Company’s restricted stock/stock unit award activity and related information for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 is as follows:
(Shares in thousands)
September 30, 2022
Restricted Stock/Stock Unit Awards
Shares
Weighted-Average Grant- Date Fair Value
Non-vested at beginning of period
348
$
58.20
Awarded
121
81.16
Vested
(180)
50.58
Forfeited
(26)
70.12
Non-vested at end of period
263
$
72.85
As of September 30, 2022, there was $10.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock/stock unit awards granted under the stock plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.40 years.
26
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Third Quarter 2022 vs. Third Quarter 2021
OVERVIEW
Sales in the third quarter of 2022 increased from the third quarter last year. The sales increase was led by increases from price, acquisitions, and volume. The Company's consolidated gross profit was $190.6 million for the third quarter of 2022, an increase of $27.5 million or about 17 percent from the prior year’s third quarter. Earnings per share in the third quarter of 2022 were up compared to the same period last year by about 27 percent.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Sales
Net sales in the third quarter of 2022 were $551.7 million, an increase of $92.7 million or about 20 percent compared to 2021 third quarter sales of $459.0 million. Acquisition related sales were $28.3 million. Sales revenue decreased by $24.9 million or about 5 percent in the third quarter of 2022 due to foreign currency translation.
Net Sales
(In millions)
Q3 2022
Q3 2021
2022 v 2021
Water Systems
$
293.1
$
260.7
$
32.4
Fueling Systems
90.2
81.0
9.2
Distribution
193.2
140.2
53.0
Eliminations/Other
(24.8)
(22.9)
(1.9)
Consolidated
$
551.7
$
459.0
$
92.7
Net Sales-Water Systems
Water Systems sales were $293.1 million in the third quarter 2022, an increase of $32.4 million versus the third quarter 2021 sales of $260.7 million. In the third quarter of 2022, sales from businesses acquired since the third quarter of 2021 were $6.6 million. Water Systems sales decreased by $23.2 million or about 9 percent in the quarter due to foreign currency translation. Water Systems sales, excluding acquisitions and the impact of foreign currency translation, were up about 19 percent compared to the third quarter 2021.
Water Systems sales in the U.S. and Canada were up overall by 16 percent compared to the third quarter 2021. In the third quarter of 2022, sales from businesses acquired since the third quarter of 2021 were $5.6 million. In the U.S. and Canada, Water Systems organic sales increased by 13 percent. Sales of groundwater pumping equipment increased by about 12 percent, and sales of dewatering equipment were up about 70 percent, both due to strong end market demand. Sales of surface pumping equipment increased by about 4 percent versus the third quarter 2021, as supply constraints with certain utility pumps and lower overall sales of sump pumps limited their growth rate.
Water Systems sales in markets outside the U.S. and Canada increased by 6 percent overall. Foreign currency translation decreased sales by $22.4 million or about 22 percent in the quarter.In the third quarter of 2022, sales from businesses acquired since the third quarter of 2021 were $1.0 million. Outside the U.S. and Canada, Water Systems organic sales increased by 27 percent, driven by higher sales in all three major geographic regions of the world; Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America and in the Asia Pacific markets.
Net Sales-Fueling Systems
Fueling Systems sales were $90.2 million in the third quarter 2022, an increase of $9.2 million versus the third quarter 2021 sales of $81.0 million. In the third quarter of 2022, sales decreased by $1.7 million or about 2 percent due to foreign currency translation. Fueling Systems organic sales increased about 13 percent compared to the third quarter of 2021.
Fueling Systems sales in the U.S. and Canada increased by about 11 percent compared to the third quarter 2021. The increase was due to higher demand across most product groups. Outside the U.S. and Canada, Fueling Systems revenues were up, with sales growth in India and EMEA more than offsetting weak sales in Asia and Latin America.China sales were about $2 million in the third quarter of 2022 compared to about $4 million in the third quarter of 2021.
Net Sales - Distribution
Distribution sales were $193.2 million in the third quarter 2022, versus third quarter 2021 sales of $140.2 million. In the third
27
quarter of 2022, sales from businesses acquired since the third quarter of 2021 were $21.7 million. The Distribution segment organic sales increased about 22 percent compared to the third quarter of 2021. Revenue growth was driven by pricing and strong demand in all regions and product categories.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales as a percent of net sales for the third quarter of 2022 and 2021 was 65.5 percent and 64.5 percent, respectively. Correspondingly, the gross profit margin as a percent of net sales was 34.5 percent in the third quarter of 2022 compared to 35.5 percent in the third quarter of 2021. The gross profit margin was down 100 basis points, as realized pricing actions are more than offsetting inflationary cost increases. However, supply disruptions are causing unfavorable absorption variances and higher inbound freight.The Company's consolidated gross profit was $190.6 million for the third quarter of 2022, an increase of $27.5 million from the gross profit of $163.1 million in the third quarter of 2021. The gross profit increase was primarily due to higher sales.
Selling, General, and Administrative ("SG&A")
Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $109.4 million in the third quarter of 2022 compared to $106.4 million in the third quarter of the prior year. SG&A expenses from acquired businesses were about $6 million. Excluding acquisitions, SG&A expenses were lower by $3 million or less than 3 percent. SG&A costs as a percent of Net Sales were below 2021.
Restructuring Expenses
Restructuring expenses for the third quarter of 2022 were $1.2 million, across all three segments: Fueling $0.6 million, Water $0.5 million and Distribution $0.1 million and all related to miscellaneous manufacturing and branch realignment activities. Restructuring expenses for the third quarter of 2021 were $0.1 million, primarily in the Water segment and related to miscellaneous manufacturing realignment activities.
Operating Income
Operating income was $80.0 million in the third quarter of 2022, up $23.4 million or 41 percent from $56.6 million in the third quarter of 2021.
Operating income (loss)
(In millions)
Q3 2022
Q3 2021
2022 v 2021
Water Systems
$
45.5
$
36.8
$
8.7
Fueling Systems
28.6
23.9
4.7
Distribution
19.0
12.3
6.7
Eliminations/Other
(13.1)
(16.4)
3.3
Consolidated
$
80.0
$
56.6
$
23.4
Operating Income-Water Systems
Water Systems operating income was $45.5 million in the third quarter 2022, up $8.7 million compared to $36.8 million in the third quarter 2021. The increase in operating income was primarily due to higher sales revenues. The third quarter of 2022 operating income margin was 15.5 percent versus 14.1 percent of net sales in the third quarter of 2021. The increase in operating margin was primarily due leverage on higher sales volumes and cost controls in SG&A spending.
Operating Income-Fueling Systems
Fueling Systems operating income was $28.6 million in the third quarter of 2022, up $4.7 million compared to $23.9 million in the third quarter of 2021. The increase in operating income was primarily due to higher sales revenues. The third quarter of 2022 operating income margin was 31.7 percent versus 29.5 percent of net sales in the third quarter of 2021. Operating income margin in the third quarter increased in Fueling Systems primarily due to leverage on higher sales volumes, favorable product, geographic sales mix shifts and cost controls in SG&A.
Operating Income-Distribution
Distribution operating income was $19.0 million in the third quarter of 2022 and the third quarter operating income margin was 9.8 percent. Distribution operating income was $12.3 million in the third quarter of 2021 and the third quarter operating income margin was 8.8 percent. Distribution’s operating income was higher in the third quarter due to higher sales volumes. The increase in operating income margin was primarily due to revenue growth and operating leverage.
Operating Income-Eliminations/Other
28
Operating income-Eliminations/Other is composed primarily of inter-segment sales and profit eliminations and unallocated general and administrative expenses. The inter-segment profit elimination impact in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the third quarter of 2021 was a positive impact of $2.3 million on operating income. The inter-segment elimination of operating income effectively defers the operating income on sales from Water Systems to Distribution in the consolidated financial results until the transferred product is sold from the Distribution segment to its customer. Unallocated general and administrative expenses were lower by $1.0 million or about 6 percent, primarily due to cost controls in SG&A and lower variable compensation expense.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the third quarter of 2022 and 2021 was $3.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively, primarily as a result of higher debt levels and increased interest rates.
Other Income or Expense
Other income or expense was a loss of $1.3 million and a gain of $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2022 and 2021, respectively. Included in other income or expense in the third quarter of 2022 was a loss of $1.1 million related to a settlement of an indirect tax dispute. Included in other income or expense in the third quarter of 2021 was a gain of $2.5 million related to a settlement of an indirect tax dispute.
Foreign Exchange
Foreign currency-based transactions produced a loss for the third quarter of 2022 of $3.4 million, primarily due to the Turkish lira and Argentinian peso. Foreign currency-based transactions produced a loss for the third quarter of 2021 of $0.4 million.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes in the third quarter of 2022 and 2021 was $13.4 million and $10.4 million, respectively. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2022 was about 19 percent and, before the impact of discrete events, was about 20 percent. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2021 was about 18 percent and, before the impact of discrete events, was about 20 percent. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily a result of smaller net favorable discrete events recorded in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the third quarter of 2021. The tax rate as a percentage of pre-tax earnings for the full year 2022 is projected to be about 21 percent, compared to the full year 2021 tax rate of about 21 percent, both before discrete adjustments.
Net Income
Net income for the third quarter of 2022 was $59.0 million compared to the prior year third quarter net income of $46.5 million. Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. for the third quarter of 2022 was $58.6 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, compared to the prior year third quarter net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. of $46.2 million or $0.98 per diluted share.
First Nine Months of 2022 vs. First Nine Months of 2021
OVERVIEW
Sales in the first nine months of 2022 were up from the same period last year. The sales increase was primarily from price, acquisitions, and higher volumes. The impact of foreign currency translation decreased sales by about 5 percent. The Company's consolidated gross profit was $525.2 million for the first nine months of 2022, an increase of $94.3 million or about 22 percent from the first nine months of 2021. Earnings in the first nine months of 2022 were up from the same period last year.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Sales
Net sales in the first nine months of 2022 were $1,554.3 million, an increase of $325.0 million or about 26 percent compared to 2021 first nine months sales of $1,229.3 million. The incremental impact of sales from acquired businesses was $110.9 million. Sales revenue decreased by $57.4 million or about 5 percent in the first nine months of 2022 due to foreign currency translation.
Net Sales
(In millions)
YTD September 30, 2022
YTD September 30, 2021
2022 v 2021
Water Systems
$
876.2
$
705.5
$
170.7
Fueling Systems
248.7
210.0
38.7
Distribution
519.2
380.7
138.5
Eliminations/Other
(89.8)
(66.9)
(22.9)
Consolidated
$
1,554.3
$
1,229.3
$
325.0
29
Net Sales-Water Systems
Water Systems sales were $876.2 million in the first nine months 2022, an increase of $170.7 million or about 24 percent versus the first nine months of 2021. The incremental impact of sales from acquired businesses was $55.3 million. Foreign currency translation changes decreased sales $53.5 million, or about 8 percent, compared to sales in the first nine months of 2021. The Water Systems sales change in the first nine months of 2022, excluding acquisitions and foreign currency translation, was an increase of $168.9 million or about 24 percent.
Water Systems sales in the U.S. and Canada increased by about 35 percent compared to the first nine months of 2021. The incremental impact of sales from acquired businesses was $50.6 million. Sales revenue decreased by $1.5 million in the first nine months of 2022 due to foreign currency translation. In the first nine months of 2022, Sales of groundwater pumping equipment increased by about 30 percent and sales of all surface pumping equipment increased by about 22 percent versus the first nine months of 2021, due to strong end market demand and pricing.
Water Systems sales in markets outside the U.S. and Canada increased by about 9 percent compared to the first nine months of 2021. The incremental impact of sales from acquired businesses was $4.7 million. Sales revenue decreased by $51.9 million or 17 percent in the first nine months of 2022 due to foreign currency translation. The change in the first nine months of 2022, excluding acquisitions and foreign currency translation, was an increase of about 25 percent. Sales grew organically in all major markets; Latin America, EMENA, and Asia Pacific.
Net Sales-Fueling Systems
Fueling Systems sales were $248.7 million in the first nine months of 2022, an increase of $38.7 million or about 18 percent from the first nine months of 2021. Foreign currency translation changes decreased sales $3.9 million or about 2 percent compared to sales in the first nine months of 2021. The Fueling Systems sales change in the first nine months of 2022, excluding foreign currency translation, was an increase of $42.6 million or about 20 percent.
Fueling Systems sales in the U.S. and Canada increased by about 25 percent during the first nine months of 2022, the increase was due to higher demand across all product lines. Outside the U.S. and Canada, Fueling Systems revenues were up, with sales growth in India more than offsetting weak sales in China.China sales were about $5 million in the first nine months of 2022 compared to the first nine months of 2021 Fueling Systems China sales of about $9 million.
Net Sales - Distribution
Distribution sales were $519.2 million in the first nine months of 2022, versus the first nine months of 2021 sales of $380.7 million. The incremental impact of sales from acquired businesses was $55.6 million. Distribution segment organic sales increased about 22 percent compared to the first nine months of 2021. Revenue growth was driven by pricing and broad-based demand in all regions and product categories.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales as a percent of net sales for the first nine months of 2022 and 2021 was 66.2 percent and 64.9 percent, respectively. Correspondingly, the gross profit margin was 33.8 percent and 35.1 percent, respectively. The gross profit margin decline was primarily a result of realized pricing actions more than offsetting inflationary cost increases, however, supply disruptions are causing unfavorable absorption variances and higher inbound freight.The Company's consolidated gross profit was $525.2 million for the first nine months of 2022, up $94.3 million from the gross profit of $430.9 million in the first nine months of 2021. The gross profit increase was primarily due to higher sales.
Selling, General, and Administrative ("SG&A")
Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $322.4 million in the first nine months of 2022 and increased by $33.9 million compared to $288.5 million in the first nine months of last year. SG&A expenses from acquired businesses were $26 million. Excluding acquisitions, SG&A expenses were higher by $7.9 million or 3 percent versus the prior year. SG&A costs as a percent of Net Sales were below 2021.
Restructuring Expenses
Restructuring expenses for the first nine months of 2022 were $1.9 million. Restructuring expenses were $1.1 million in the Water segment, $0.6 in the Fueling segment and $0.2 million in Distribution segments. Restructuring expenses were primarily from continued miscellaneous manufacturing realignment activities and branch closings and consolidations in the Distribution segment. Restructuring expenses for the first nine months of 2021 were $0.4 million. Restructuring expenses were $0.3 million in the Water segment and $0.1 million in Distribution segments. Restructuring expenses were primarily from continued miscellaneous manufacturing realignment activities and branch closings and consolidations in the Distribution segment.
Operating Income
Operating income was $201.0 million in the first nine months of 2022, up $59.0 million or 42 percent from $142.0 million in
30
the first nine months of 2021.
Operating income (loss)
(In millions)
YTD September 30, 2022
YTD September 30, 2021
2022 v 2021
Water Systems
$
127.7
$
102.7
$
25.0
Fueling Systems
72.4
57.3
15.1
Distribution
51.7
30.3
21.4
Eliminations/Other
(50.8)
(48.3)
(2.5)
Consolidated
$
201.0
$
142.0
$
59.0
Operating Income-Water Systems
Water Systems operating income was $127.7 million in the first nine months of 2022 compared to $102.7 million in the first nine months of 2021, an increase of 24 percent. Operating income increased in Water Systems primarily due to higher sales volumes and SG&A cost controls. The first nine months operating income margin was 14.6 percent compared to the first nine months of 2021 operating income margin of 14.6 percent.
Operating Income-Fueling Systems
Fueling Systems operating income was $72.4 million in the first nine months of 2022 compared to $57.3 million in the first nine months of 2021. Operating income increased in Fueling Systems primarily due to higher sales volumes. The first nine months operating income margin was 29.1 percent compared to 27.3 percent of net sales in the first nine months of 2021. Operating income margin increased in Fueling Systems primarily due to operating leverage on higher sales, favorable product and geographic sales mix shifts.
Operating Income-Distribution
Distribution operating income was $51.7 million in the first nine months of 2022 and operating income margin was 10.0 percent. Distribution operating income was $30.3 million in the first nine months of 2021 and operating income margin was 8.0 percent. Distribution’s operating income in the first nine months was higher in due to higher sales volumes. The increase in operating income margin was primarily due to revenue growth and operating leverage.
Operating Income-Eliminations/Other
Operating income-Eliminations/Other is composed primarily of inter-segment sales and profit eliminations and unallocated general and administrative expenses. The inter-segment profit elimination impact in the first nine months of 2022 decreased operating income about $2.6 million versus the impact in the first nine months of 2021. The inter-segment elimination of operating income effectively defers the operating income on sales from Water Systems to Distribution in the consolidated financial results until the transferred product is sold from the Distribution segment to its third-party customer. Unallocated general and administrative expenses were lower by $0.1 million to last year in the first nine months.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the first nine months of 2022 and 2021 was $7.5 million and $3.8 million, respectively, primarily as a result of higher debt levels and increase interest rates.
Other Income or Expense
Other income or expense was a loss of $2.8 million and a gain of 1.5 million, respectively in the first nine months of 2022 and 2021. Included in other income or expense in 2022 was a loss of $2.1 million related to a settlement of an indirect tax dispute.Included in other income or expense in 2021 was a gain of $2.5 million related to a settlement of an indirect tax dispute.
Foreign Exchange
Foreign currency–based transactions produced a loss for the first nine months of 2022 of $4.3 million, primarily from the Turkish lira and Argentinian peso. Foreign currency–based transactions produced a loss for the first nine months of 2021 of $1.7 million, primarily from the Argentinian peso.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes in the first nine months of 2022 and 2021 was $37.5 million and $24.0 million, respectively. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2022 was 20 percent and, before the impact of discrete events, was about 21 percent. The effective tax rate in the first nine months of 2021 was about 17 percent and, before the impact of discrete events, was about 20 percent. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily a result of a smaller net favorable discrete events
31
recorded in the first nine months of 2022 compared to the first nine months of 2021, primarily related to excess tax benefits from share-based compensation. The tax rate as a percentage of pre-tax earnings for the full year 2022 is projected to be about 21 percent, compared to the full year 2021 tax rate of about 21 percent, both before discrete adjustments.
Net Income
Net income for the first nine months of 2022 was $148.9 million compared to 2021 first nine months net income of $114.0 million. Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. for the first nine months of 2022 was $147.8 million, or $3.13 per diluted share, compared to 2021 first nine months net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. of $113.2 million or $2.40 per diluted share.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Sources of Liquidity
The Company's primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash flows from operations, revolving credit agreements, and long-term debt funds available. The Company believes its capital resources and liquidity position at September 30, 2022 is adequate to meet projected needs for the foreseeable future. The Company expects that ongoing requirements for operations, capital expenditures, pension obligations, dividends, share repurchases, and debt service will be adequately funded from cash on hand, operations, and existing credit agreements.
As of September 30, 2022 the Company had a $350.0 million revolving credit facility. The facility is scheduled to mature on May 13, 2026. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had $171.8 million borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement as $4.0 million in letters of commercial and standby letters of credit were outstanding and undrawn and $174.2 million in revolver borrowings were drawn and outstanding, which were primarily used for funding working capital requirements.
In addition, the Company maintains an uncommitted and unsecured private shelf agreement with NYL Investors LLC, an affiliate of New York Life, and each of the undersigned holders of Notes (the "New York Life Agreement") with a remaining borrowing capacity of $125.0 million as of September 30, 2022. The Company also has other long-term debt borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2022. See Note 10 - Debt for additional specifics regarding these obligations and future maturities.
At September 30, 2022, the Company had $36.1 million of cash and cash equivalents held in foreign jurisdictions, which is intended to be used to fund foreign operations. There is currently no need or intent to repatriate these funds in order to meet domestic funding obligations or scheduled cash distributions.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes significant sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents for the first nine months of 2022 and 2021.
(in millions)
2022
2021
Net cash flows from operating activities
$
7.2
$
93.9
Net cash flows from investing activities
(30.9)
(213.4)
Net cash flows from financing activities
29.2
68.2
Impact of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
(6.5)
(3.5)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
$
(1.0)
$
(54.8)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
2022 vs. 2021
Net cash provided by operating activities was $7.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to $93.9 million provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to increased working capital requirements in support of supply chain resiliency and meeting the strong demand from our customers.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
2022 vs. 2021
Net cash used in investing activities was $30.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to $213.4 million used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The decrease in cash used in investing activities was attributable to decreased acquisition activity in 2022.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
32
2022 vs. 2021
Net cash provided by financing activities was $29.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to $68.2 million provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities was attributable to increased common stock repurchases slightly offset by decreased net proceeds from debt and common stock issuances.
FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking information, such as statements about the Company’s financial goals, acquisition strategies, financial expectations including anticipated revenue or expense levels, business prospects, market positioning, product development, manufacturing re-alignment, capital expenditures, tax benefits and expenses, and the effect of contingencies or changes in accounting policies. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may increase,” “may fluctuate,” “plan,” “goal,” “target,” “strategy,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” and “could.” While the Company believes that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are reasonable based on present conditions, forward-looking statements made by the Company involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including regional or general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, new housing starts, weather conditions, epidemics and pandemics, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases, raw material costs and availability, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, and other risks, all as described in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, and in Exhibit 99.1 thereto. Any forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q are based upon information presently available. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information, except as required by law.
33
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no significant changes in the Company's exposure to market risk during the third quarter ended September 30, 2022. For additional information, refer to Part II, Item 7A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of the end of the period covered by this report (the "Evaluation Date"), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the Company's Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the Company's Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rules 13a-15 under the Exchange Act during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
34
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is defending various claims and legal actions which have arisen in the ordinary course of business. For a description of the Company's material legal proceedings, refer to Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1, "Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)," of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated into this Item 1 by reference. In the opinion of management, based on current knowledge of the facts and after discussion with counsel, other claims and legal actions can be defended or resolved without a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and net cash flows.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes to the Company's risk factors as set forth in the annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 with the exception of the update to the following risk factor. Additional risks and uncertainties, not presently known to the Company or currently deemed immaterial, could negatively impact the Company’s results of operations or financial condition in the future.
The Company has significant investments in foreign entities and has significant sales and purchases in foreign denominated currencies creating exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The Company has significant investments outside the United States, including Europe, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, India, China, Turkey, Canada and Argentina. Further, the Company has sales and makes purchases of raw materials and finished goods in foreign denominated currencies. Accordingly, the Company has exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency exchange rate risk is partially mitigated through several means: maintenance of local production facilities in the markets served, invoicing of customers in the same currency as the source of the products, prompt settlement of intercompany balances, limited use of foreign currency denominated debt, and application of derivative instruments when appropriate. To the extent that these mitigating strategies are not successful, foreign currency rate fluctuations can have a material adverse impact on the Company’s international operations or on the business as a whole.
In the second quarter of 2022, the Company concluded that Turkey represents a highly inflationary economy as its projected three-year cumulative inflation rate exceeds 100%. As a result, the Company started remeasuring the financial statements for the Company’s Turkish operations in accordance with ASC 830 "Foreign Currency Matters" as of the beginning of the second quarter of 2022. As a result, all gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement of the financial results of operations and other transactional foreign exchange gains and losses would be reflected in earnings, which could result in volatility within the Company’s earnings, rather than as a component of the Company’s comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity. Turkey becoming a highly inflationary economy may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
(c) Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities
In April 2007, the Company's Board of Directors approved a plan to increase the number of shares remaining for repurchase from 628,692 to 2,300,000 shares. There is no expiration date for this plan. On August 3, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved a plan to increase the number of shares remaining for repurchase by an additional 3,000,000 shares. The authorization was in addition to the 535,107 shares that remained available for repurchase as of July 31, 2015. The Company repurchased 972 shares for approximately $0.1 million under the plan during the third quarter of 2022. The maximum number of shares that may still be purchased under this plan as of September 30, 2022 is 422,942.
Period
Total Number of Shares Repurchased
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan
Maximum Number of Shares that may yet to be Repurchased
The following financial information from Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, formatted in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (Inline XBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (filed herewith)
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
36
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
Registrant
Date: November 1, 2022
By
/s/ Gregg C. Sengstack
Gregg C. Sengstack, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: November 1, 2022
By
/s/ Jeffery L. Taylor
Jeffery L. Taylor, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
